Calva Louise have revealed the extraordinary cinematic sci-fi video for their new song, "Under the Skin", and the news they have also signed to Mascot Records.


Feast your eyes on the video for "Under the Skin" below; stream the song here


Calva Louise are storming into 2024, playing Download Festival, 2000Trees, and Primordial General Mayhem. In May, they'll take on a 10-date co-headline tour of the US with Vukovi and play So What!? Festival, Welcome to Rockville, and Sonic Temple. They'll also perform at Vainstream Rockfest (Germany) and Dynamo MetalFest (Netherlands). Calva Louise are gearing up for an explosive 2024, with even more shows on the horizon.




The British based band is truly international with its members hailing from across the globe and has been ripping through the UK underground for the past few years, driven by the creative vision of the Venezuelan songwriter Jess Allanic (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard) along with French bassist Alizon Taho (Bass/Backing Vocals) and New Zealander Ben Parker (Drums/Backing Vocals).


"Under the Skin" was co-written by Jess Allanic and Pendulum's Gareth McGrillen and is a mesmerizing blend of raging metal riffs, swirling electronica, and Jess' extraordinary ability to flit between ethereal vocals and demonic howls. It swoons in and out of a stunning narrative, with melodic twists along the way that are punctured by an attack of hypnotic assertiveness.


This first single release is accompanied by Calva Louise's most ambitious music video production, including a sci-fi movie-style short film, telling a story about intertwined dimensions where the characters are looking to perpetuate their consciousness beyond the real world.  


The lyrics of "Under the Skin" follow a complex sci-fi narrative and is the introduction of a conceptual storyline consisting of characters called "Travellers" and their counterparts called the "Doubles."


Allanic says, "The lyrics deal with the obstacles that arise in the human duality as one is looking for freedom and the other is looking to perpetuate their consciousness, but the expectations are not the same for both sides."


The music video shows the Travellers and their Doubles transporting energy capsules which they recovered from the Hybrids-Scorpions (the story's villains) to the Main Hologram Generator, the maker of the "Realworld."


The story focuses on one of the Doubles Vic, that betrayed Commander Jonnie, also a Double, and his crew composed of both Travellers and Doubles, after being infected (and therefore under the control) of a Hybrid-scorpion that sneaked into Jonnie's Hedron-Ship. Jonnie's plans had been interrupted due to the anticipated invasion of the Hybrids that kidnapped multiple Hedron-Ships back in the Mother-Hedron-Ship, where their city was built. Meanwhile, the infected Doubles began to abandon their counterpart Travellers and started to usurp their lives in the holographic "Realworld." The Hybrids then got a free pass to continue sucking the energy of the countless Travellers who had been getting trapped in the "Dreamworld."


The video is a feast for the eye and was directed, edited and with VFX by Allanic.

Mandoki Soulmates - the international and inter-generational supergroup consisting of rock and fusion grandmasters surrounding founder and mastermind Leslie Mandoki - release the third single, “We Stay Loud”, from the upcoming album, A Memory Of Our Future. The album will be released on May 10, and can be pre-ordered here.


Says the band, "'We Stay Loud'  is actually the most contemporary statement to say “let’s swim against the current” in this black-tie devil’s masquerade. This is no peaceful resistance, no love-parade. As Soulmates, we’re always trying to find a musical way to express ourselves, to give a comment to our world, and musically it’s probably the hardest rock song on the album. It’s a very clear statement, a revenge of analog in a digital world."







A Memory Of Our Future will be available in the following formats:


- 180g black 2LP wide spined Gatefold & extensive 12-page booklet
- Ltd. CD Edition PocketPac with noble matt/gloss finishing, Vinyl-look disc and extensive 24-page booklet
- Standard CD Jewel case (US Version)
- Digital album
- Dolby Atmos Version





Tracklisting:


"Blood In The Water"
"Enigma Of Reason"
"The Wanderer"
"The Big Quit"
"Devil's Encyclopedia"
"A Memory Of My Future"
"I Am Because You Are"
"My Share Of Your Life"
"Age Of Thought"
"Matchbox Racing"
"We Stay Loud"
"Melting Pot"


"The Big Quit" lyric video:





"Blood In The Water" lyric video:





After their successful 30 Years Anniversary Tour through Europe, the Soulmates will be performing a special open-air concert in the courtyard of the Munich Residenz on August 15, and play the new album live. Get tickets here.


Mandoki Soulmates are:


Leslie Mandoki
Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)
Mike Stern
Al di Meola
Randy Brecker
Till Brönner
Bill Evans
John Helliwell (Supertramp)
Cory Henry
Richard Bona
Steve Bailey
Simon Phillips (Toto)
Tony Carey (Rainbow)
Nick van Eede (Cutting Crew)
Jesse Siebenberg (Supertramp)
Mark Hart (Supertramp)


(Photo - Till Brönner)

New Heaven, Inter Arma’s new album (out April 26th on Relapse Records), is a compelling testament to perseverance, top to bottom. Its thicket of ever-dense layers of doom, death, and black metal occasionally let bits of light slip in, fleeting reminders to keep going amid the tumult. The record marks a sharp turn for Inter Arma, showcasing some of the most extreme and angular songwriting the band has ever laid bare. Known for their cinematic take on sludgy, extremely cavernous and borderline psychedelic Metal, the Richmond band broadens their dynamics by seesawing between piledriving momentum and swirling oblivion. New Heaven crushes and conquers, and illustrates what Inter Arma can truly be.


Listen to the new track, "Desolation's Harp", below:







Though New Heaven is indeed another triumph for the band, it is not a triumphant album, meant to offer some glib or naïve assurance that everything will be fine.


They call it the 'Inter Arma Curse': for nearly two decades, the band has emerged as one of the most inspired and fearless acts in or around American metal.  They’ve also endured an endless parade of complications, hurdles, and slights: visa problems in Russia, stolen passports in Europe, unexpected member turmoil in their ranks, accidents and near death experiences, and a pervasive paradoxical sense that they have either been too metal or not metal enough. It’s been forever Sisyphean, except that Inter Arma has sporadically crested the hill to make a series of visionary albums.


As New Heaven started to take shape, the curse roared to life. Worldwide pandemic that squashed tours and writing sessions aside, Inter Arma churned through four bassists before finding salvation in Joel Moore, a guitar-and-engineering whiz who had never before played bass in a band.  With the addition of Moore, drummer T.J. Childers admits that New Heaven features some of the kind of music Inter Arma could have never executed. Listen for the uncanny keyboards wedged between Paparo and the band, for the ways Steven Russell and Trey Dalton coil and collide with Moore, for Childers’ way of slipping some Southern soul into what borders on truly brutal prog.  Paparo’s keen and empathetic lyrics explore arduous facets of the human experience, from innocent victims of war, to addiction, and social apathy.  New Heaven is a record about enduring brambles and curses and lasting long enough to make something profound, honest, and even affirming about it all every now and again..


Childers comments, "New Heaven is the culmination of four years worth of adversity ranging from near death experiences, multiple member changes and of course a global pandemic. It marks a new chapter for us musically as we feel we've taken our songwriting to places we've never explored before. We're excited to have come out of the madness relatively unscathed and feel as though we've created something completely unique that will stand apart in the sometimes homogenous extreme music community."  Guitarist Trey Dalton continues, "This record, maybe more than our previous efforts, more fully represents what we're trying to accomplish. It's still very much us - you know, music made by dudes coming from disparate musical backgrounds and perspectives, but with a more collective and defined sense of purpose. Clarity in direction, maybe. Your mileage may vary, but we like it a lot, and we hope you do too."


Pre-order New Heaven at this location, or direct from Relapse Records here.





New Heaven tracklisting:


"New Heaven"
"Violet Seizures"
"Desolation’s Harp"
"Endless Grey"
"Gardens In The Dark"
"The Children The Bombs Overlooked"
"Concrete Cliffs"
"Forest Service Road Blues"


"Concrete Cliffs" video:





"New Heaven":





Catch Inter Arma on tour with Pallbearer and The Keening at the following shows:


July
11 - St. Louis, MI - Off Broadway
13 - Denver, CO - Gothic Theater
15 - Calgary, AB - Dickens
16 - Edmonton, AB - The Starlite Room
18 - Vancouver, WA - Rickshaw
19 - Seattle, WA - Substation
20 - Portland, OR - Star Theater
23 - Sacramento, CA - Harlows
24 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
26 - Santa Cruz - The Catalyst Atrium
27 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
28 - Los Angeles, CA - Terragram Ballroom
29 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
30 - Albuquerque, NM - Sister Bar


August
1 - Dallas, TX - Trees
2 - Austin, TX - The Parish
3 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall


(Photo - Jonah Livingston)

Australian rock powerhouse The Dreadful Tides have unleashed their latest single, "Fire In The Hole," electrifying fans with a sound that harkens back to the golden age of '70s rock, combined with the raw power of today's heavy hitters. Known for their fierce riffs and captivating live performances, the Melbourne-based quartet is firing on all cylinders, promising to make 2024 a landmark year.


Since their debut in 2021, The Dreadful Tides have redefined the rock landscape, blending classic influences from Black Label Society and Black Sabbath with a modern twist that resonates with fans of heavy, compelling music. The band's dedication to the rich, dynamic sounds of the Les Paul and Marshall amp combo, coupled with deep, resonant drums and journey-like bass lines, creates an audio experience that's both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.


"Fire In The Hole" showcases Jimmy Black's powerful vocals and the band’s knack for crafting songs that are as anthemic as they are gritty. The single captures the essence of The Dreadful Tides' unique sound, which has already earned them over 100,000 streams and a solid presence on Australian radio.







"The energy we bring to 'Fire In The Hole' is a testament to TDT’s journey so far and a preview of where we're headed," says The Dreadful Tides. "This track is for anyone who loves their rock loud, heavy, and full of soul."


"Fire In The Hole" is currently available on all major streaming platforms. Fans can also look forward to more single releases throughout the year, each promising to deliver the hard-hitting, heart-pounding rock that The Dreadful Tides are known for.





For further details, visit The Dreadful Tides on Facebook.


 

Future alternative metal greats Defences present their stunning new single "The Curse". The track follows up strong support in the form of millions of streams across their catalog, and the band from Hertfordshire, UK, is excited to be partnered with Long Branch Records. The release of "The Curse" includes a new music video, available below.


"'The Curse' is a song about feeling like the universe is against you, trying to sabotage your every endeavor despite your best efforts to achieve something," comments singer Cherry Duesbury. "The feeling of being just a little too late, or pipped to the post, and having to start over again. To demonstrate this, it references the individual struggles of trying to be creative in an oversaturated industry, focusing on the internal fortitude required to not only persevere but to enjoy creativity for its own sake. By making these fears and inadequacies into a character, we wanted to show how powerful this feeling of being cursed can seem, and the importance of recognizing and accepting it as part of yourself."







Singer Cherry Duesbury comments on the new video: "The video shoot was really fun - it was the first time Shadow Cherry was on set for anything. She's an idea I've had in my head for some time, so it felt quite surreal to have her come to fruition in front of the camera. A really liberating side of me comes out when I'm made up like that, which I think we've started to capture in this video."


"It was an exciting shoot for us; we hadn't shot a music video for a couple of years. It was our first official shoot with Owen on bass and Will on keys, and we were all stoked to finally bring the ideas we'd been working on to life!"


"We used more props and cool visual elements for this video than I think we ever had before. So many candles, which I really enjoyed! I always have candles lit at home. We're really leaning into the witchy aesthetic for this era, which is right up my street. I was sat in a circle of them for one of the shots, it felt like I was having a seance, I loved it!"





Defences has completed numerous UK tours with multiple sell-out headline shows, not to mention numerous festival appearances including Download, Takedown, Turbulence, and Burn It Down. These shows and releases, combined with the online community being cultivated in their #TheHeart fan page, ensure that the band remains connected with their constantly growing fanbase as they move into their upcoming release.


For further details, visit Defences on Facebook.


(Photo courtesy of Fordtography)


 

Heavy act Doomcrusher have just released their sophomore single "Reflect", out now worldwide via Arising Empire.


In the crucible of the apocalyptic atmosphere that envelopes our world, Doomcrusher were forged. Born out of the deepest desire to be the harbinger of change, the band emerged with a resolute mission: to defy the impending doom that looms on the horizon.







Founded by Andy Posdziech (Any Given Day), Jean Bormann (Rage), Marv Kinkel, and Rob Lee, Doomcrusher's sound is a powerful fusion of stomping and heavy mid-tempo industrial riffs, seamlessly intertwined with uncompromising gutturals that resolve into unfolding and uplifting hooks.


The band's sound is further enriched by sophisticated electronic elements, adding depth and complexity to their musical tapestry. The ambition is clear — to redefine modern core music while staying true to the roots of the metal genre. Their music is not merely an auditory experience; it's a journey through the realms of sound, a deliberate exploration of the boundaries of heavy music.


Doomcrusher stand as a defiant force against the inevitable, a rebellion that crushes the darkness of doom with an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music.





For further details, visit Doomcrusher on Facebook.


 

During a March 2024 question-and-answer session at the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp, Michael Anthony spoke about the upcoming summer tour featuring him, vocalist Sammy Hagar, guitarist Joe Satriani and drummer Jason Bonham that will focus largely on the music of VAN HALEN. Asked how the tour came about, he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, Sammy and I figured it's 20 years ago this year that we did the last VAN HALEN reunion. And Sammy and I were talking about it. We're always reminiscing and stuff like that, and we thought, 'Gosh, 20 years.' And who knows what's happening now? We obviously can't wait much longer. Sammy's an old man now. But we didn't wanna wait any longer. And with Ed [Eddie Van Halen, VAN HALEN guitarist], unfortunately, passing away the other year. And Alex [Van Halen, VAN HALEN drummer], he's still pretty much — I know he still grieves and stuff like that. And he doesn't really get out; he doesn't get out and play. And so Sammy and I wanted to get the music out to everybody. And we thought what a better way… Let's get together and take it and play it. Someone's gotta play it."

Asked if he has any relationship at all with VAN HALEN's original singer David Lee Roth, Michael said: "Uh, I haven't spoken with Dave in quite some time. The last time I actually spoke with him was when [there was talk] about a possible reunion thing. It's really crazy because I hadn't heard anything about Jason Newsted [METALLICA] coming into the fold [and doing the tour]. And I got a call from Alex and Dave from [manager] Irving Azoff's office some years back asking about my thoughts on doing a reunion, a tour. And Joe Satriani was gonna be the guitar player. And that was probably the last time I talked to Dave. That was — God, I don't know — about a few years ago now. I forget — something like that.

"Dave's kind of a crazy guy," he continued. "It's hard to explain Dave. We don't have enough time. But, no, other than that, no. I mean, I don't have anything against Dave. And I've said this in the past to different people, whatever, that if the chance ever came up or whatever, I would definitely be willing to jam with him or whatever. In fact, I think the last time he did his last [residency] shows at the House Of Blues in Vegas some years back. I was actually gonna come to one of those shows and surprise him and come up and jump on stage, but, unfortunately, we were playing a gig somewhere else — Sammy and I were. But to answer your question, [it was] probably a few years ago [that I last spoke with Dave]."

Eddie died in October 2020 at the age of 65. The legendary VAN HALEN guitarist passed away at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California.

Hagar and Anthony previously worked with Satriani in the supergroup CHICKENFOOT. They recorded two albums between 2009 and 2011 and toured across America but never performed any VAN HALEN material. More recently, Hagar and Anthony have played some of the VAN HALEN catalog with guitarist Vic Johnson and Bonham in SAMMY HAGAR AND THE CIRCLE.

Hagar mended his relationship with Eddie Van Halen months prior to the legendary VAN HALEN guitarist's passing.

Sammy, Eddie, Alex Van Halen and Michael last teamed up in 2004 for a U.S. summer tour. In exchange for taking part in the tour, Anthony reportedly had to agree to take a pay cut and sign away his rights to the band name and logo.

Produced by Live Nation, the 28-date "The Best Of All Worlds" tour will commence on July 13 in West Palm Beach, Florida and will conclude on August 31 in St. Louis, Missouri.

"We're gonna go deep into the VAN HALEN catalog," Hagar told "The Howard Stern Show". "If you're gonna go deep into the VAN HALEN catalog, you need Joe Satriani."

Although Hagar and Anthony normally play five or six VAN HALEN songs" on the road with THE CIRCLE, Sammy told Stern they are planning to only play "five or six of my songs" alongside VAN HALEN classics and deep cuts.

"When we go out in July, it will be almost exactly 20 years since Mike and I did a reunion with Ed and Al in '04," Hagar said. "Mike and I just said, 'We can't wait another 20 years. How long can I even sing these songs? How long can I do this stuff? I just thought it's time to serve the fans."

"There's stuff we're going to do on this next tour that we haven't played since that tour in 2004," Anthony added.

Regarding the challenge of learning legendary VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen's parts, Satriani said: "There are things that are so iconic, you have to nail it. But if you go deep with what he did live, he never played the same thing twice. He kept evolving; he kept pushing. He'd do the recorded version a little bit, but then he moved on.

"It's a daunting task when you do the deep dive into what he did," he continued. "But it's good to start at the beginning, and then you just learn all his little improvs and you get the idea of what he was trying to do. It's thrilling; it's fun."

The US melodic power metal band Millennial Reign just released a music video for their new single "Bring Me To Life", the first single from their new album World On Fire.        


World On Fire will be released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital via Ulterium Records on June 14.


After completing their previous album The Great Divide, plus all show and festival commitments, Travis Wills (Crimson Glory, Infidel Rising) stepped down as fill in vocalist for the band. The band found their new full time vocalist in Tiffany Galchutt, a fantastic female vocalist with an impressive range and tons of experience from performing with bands around the Dallas, TX area. Pedro Cortes also stepped in as the band's new drummer alongside current members Neil Bertrand (bass) and Dave Harvey (guitars, band founder).




Millennial Reign have over the years shared stage with bands like Accept, Stryper, Delain, Sonata Arctica, Hammerfall, Petra, Y&T, Theocracy and many others, and also played at Exodo Fest in Mexico twice. Last year they played their debut show in Europe at Elements of Rock in Switzerland together with Majestica, Wytch Hazel and others.


World On Fire was recorded, mixed and mastered by Dave Harvey at The Upper Room Studio and the artwork was created by Jan Yrlund (Battle Beast, Apocalyptica, Delain).


The new album has everything you expect from Millennial Reign, and more! Powerful vocals, impressive musicianship, a solid production, epic symphonic elements, memorable melodies and uplifting lyrics! The album should be perfect for fans of power metal, melodic metal and female fronted metal bands. Led by vocalist Tiffany Galchutt and with a really strong new album behind them Millennial Reign are ready to hit the stage and show the metal scene that they are a force to be reckoned with.





Tracklisting:


“Exousia”
“Bring Me To Life”
“Wandering”
“Trust”
“We Follow On”
“Eternity”
“Parousia”
“Crack The Eastern Sky”
“Tongues Of Fire”
“World On Fire”
“Onward To Victory”
“Allied Forces”


"Bring Me To Life" video:

Get lost in Blood Incantation’s interstellar new video “Luminescent Bridge” – available today ahead of their performances at the renowned Roadburn Festival. "Luminescent Bridge" pivots to the introspection of infinity. Created entirely in the studio, the nine-minute track plays out like a dying star—ominous, forlorn, yet hopeful of rebirth. 


Blood Incantation tells, “Originally conceived as an acoustic interlude in the tradition of ‘Meticulous Soul Devourment’ and ‘(Mirror of the Soul)’, ‘Luminescent Bridge’ quickly became something entirely different upon entering Rocky Mountain Recorders in March 2023. Compelled by a tangible air of creativity, we forwent acoustic instruments entirely and ended up implementing several spur-of-the-moment ideas - such as drums, grand piano and even trombone - to create a vast, dynamic tapestry of textures both alien and familiar, yet remaining quintessentially Blood Incantation in feeling and atmosphere. Drenched in analog and digital synthesizers, multiple tape echoes and soaring electric guitar, this intended outro to a subsequently abandoned 7” EP became a towering landscape of otherworldly sonics, earning its place as the title track for our latest maxi-single release.”


“With this expansive energy in mind, we knew the eventual music video would similarly have to be something completely new for us, further evolving our imagery and aesthetic into new realms as we make our way towards our imminent third album. Thanks to the masterful VFX and cinematography of our friends Miles Skarin and Alex Pace who also worked on the music videos ‘Inner Paths (to Outer Space)’ and ‘Obliquity of the Ecliptic’, and the ‘Timewave Zero’ live Blu-Ray, respectively  - we are able to present to you the official video for ‘Luminescent Bridge’.







Of the video, director and visual effects artist Miles Skarin says, “When the Stargate Research Society asked us to help visualise a recent extrasolar communication they had received, we knew this would be a project of epic proportion. The data packet they sent to us from Colorado contained footage of Blood Incantation's interstellar expedition to a distant star system. What we saw after decompressing the video stream blew us away, not only had they captured a beautiful cinematic exploration of the exoplanet's sand dunes, but we can see their journey across the expanse of space was successful. Alex Pace's cinematography from this location was stunning and provided us with everything we needed. Due to the solar radiation exposure, the data from the interstellar voyage was difficult to decipher, so we have used our artistic abilities in VFX and 3D animation to reconstruct the visual of crossing the Luminescent Bridge, first depicted by the artist Steve R Dodd."


Blood Incantation telegraphed their love of and respect for kosmische musik with their acclaimed instrumental album, Timewave Zero – shortly followed by the mind bending Luminescent Bridge 12-inch maxi single which was released as the next stepping stone into the group's final form. Side A features "Obliquity Of The Ecliptic" - voidward death metal—crushingly opaque, mysterious – met by its inquisitive, ethereal Side B – “Luminescent Bridge”. 


Luminescent Bridge was recorded at Rocky Mountain Recorders Studio (Denver, Colorado) with Chris McNaughton. It was mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Kreator, Cavalera Conspiracy, Power Trip). The release builds off the finer points of Blood Incantation’s Starspawn (2016) and Hidden History of the Human Race (2019), but the cosmogonic regality adds new dimensions to the cosmic death metallers' ever-widening framework. 


(Photo – Joe Dilworth)

RivetSkull has announced that their new album, Absence Of Time, will be released on June 14. To kick it off, the band is sharing the album's second single "Eyes Of A Fallen Angel." The track is accompanied by a new lyric video and follows up the first single, "Hellbound."


About the single, the band shared these words:


“‘Eyes Of A Fallen Angel’ tackles the concept of the universal 'fight' – the personal struggles we all face, big or small. The lyrics encourage understanding another's perspective but remind us that time waits for no one.




"Musically, (this song) marks a fresh direction for the band. While our signature heavy riffs remain a driving force, the addition of lush keyboards and vocal harmonies infuse the track with a modern, crossover appeal. It's a powerful blend of heavy metal energy and catchy pop sensibilities – a perfect 2nd single to introduce a new sonic chapter for RivetSkull.”





The band spends the month of June on tour with Artillery as part of their 40th anniversary tour. They will be opening the dates alongside fellow support Vapor and War Curse.


RivetSkull shares this about the album:


"Absence Of Time feels like a culmination of everything we've been building towards. It's not just a collection of songs, it's a unified statement of who we are. Heavy metal has always been a lifeline for us, a way to channel our struggles and find strength in a community of like-minded souls. With this record, we want to extend that lifeline to our listeners. We want them to hear the experiences they share, the battles they've fought, and know that they're not alone.


"This is heavy metal as catharsis, as connection, and as a celebration of the power of shared experience."


Absence Of Time was recorded by Jonathan Plum at London Bridge Studio (Queensryche, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains) and produced by the Matt Hyde (Deftones, Slayer, Hatebreed, Seether), with album artwork by Josh Graham at Suspended in Light (Soundgarden, Eagles of Death Metal).


Preorder at this location.





Tracklisting:


“Hellbound”
“Isolation”
“Not Gonna Run”
“My Darkest Hour”
“Eyes Of A Fallen Angel”
“The King Is Dead”
“Swimming In Mortality”
“Time Will Tell”
“The Unwinnable War”


“Eyes Of A Fallen Angel” lyric video:





(Photo – Mike Savoia)

The weather may be warming up for spring, but there's a bitter frost hanging in the air, courtesy of the death metal crew known as Frozen Soul. Today, the band share their cover of White Zombie's "Creature Of The Wheel". Watch the video below.


The visual certainly pays homage to the instantly familiar, DayGlo green aesthetic of White Zombie, while the band puts its uniquely shivery spin on the sonics.


"We wanted to cover a song outside of death metal that we could give justice to in our style and 'Creature Of The Wheel' felt perfect," the band says. "We slowed it down and made it even heavier, all the while staying true to the groove White Zombie is known for. We got outside of our comfort zone and even used a theremin to add that old school horror feel!"







Frozen Soul — vocalist Chad Green; guitarists Michael Munday and Chris Bonner; bassist Samantha Mobley; and drummer Matt Dennard — unleashed its latest album Glacial Domination via Century Media last year. The album was produced by Trivium vocalist/guitarist Matthew K. Heafy and co-produced by Daniel Schmuck.


Frozen Soul will return to the road with frigid force this spring, supporting Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse, and Obituary on the epic Metal Crushes All tour.

From the depths of the black metal underground, comes one of its most elite figures with a new band and an even more evil attitude. As frontman of legendary Swedish maniacs Nifelheim, Hellbutcher upheld the bad name of real black metal with an iron fist. Now, with this eponymous new band, the frenzied mission continues: nothing less than total metal mania will do.


Following the end of Nifelheim, who played their final show in late 2022, Hellbutcher himself wasted no time in forging forward. "I realized I needed to create my own band to uphold the true spirit of metal. I was incredibly inspired!" Teaming up with old compadres in evil, guitarists Necrophiliac (also of Mordant) and Iron Beast, bassist Eld, and drummer Devastator (ex-Nifelheim), Hellbutcher quickly set about bringing this vision to life.


In a short time, they had amassed enough material to record their raging, hellish, self-titled debut album. Recording in various locations around Sweden, such as Devastator's own Red And Black Hall Drum Studio and Iron Beast's Chrome Studios, and producing and mastering everything themselves - "No need for an outside producer since we knew exactly how our band should sound." - it is a record that stands proud and unambiguous as a work or pure, metallic mayhem.




From the album's opener and first single, the crazed "The Sword Of Wrath," Hellbutcher's intent is loud and clear: Channeling the spirit of Venom, Bathory, Iron Maiden, Exciter, Motörhead, Mercyful Fate, and the aggressive spirit of true heavy metal. It's an explosion of diabolic evil, performed mercilessly by true masters of the form. "It kicks off with an epic intro and then dives into a frenzy of thrashing guitars, followed by a powerful chorus and an obscure yet heavy middle section with shredding guitar solos - everything you'd want in a metal song, in my opinion," explains Hellbutcher. "The song's lyrics are somewhat metaphorical, inspired by my decision to continue the path I started decades ago with Nifelheim."


Watch Hellbutcher's "The Sword Of Wrath" video below.


With an enviable musical pedigree and a killer album to their name, Hellbutcher are certain to scorch a mark onto the black metal scene. The man himself believes this could be even more devastating than his previous output. "I believe this band has the potential to surpass Nifelheim; we've accomplished more in a year than I did in the last decade with Nifelheim," Hellbutcher states. "The key difference lies in the fact that this band shares a common goal. I am now filled with tremendous inspiration, and I plan to create new songs, records, and gigs at a completely different pace than before."


Insisting in so many words that posers should die, and promising that their live shows "will be a neck-breaking experience," the underground is about to be hit with an outbreak of evil unlike anything it has seen for a long time. Time to turn the cross upside down: Hellbutcher is here, and they mean evil business.





Hellbutcher will be released on May 31 digitally and in the following physical formats and special editions:


- Jewel Case (EU + US)
- "Metal" Vinyl (EU + US)
- Special Edition (EU - CD, DVD, Patch)
- Special Edition (EU - LP, DVD, Patch) Orange Yellow Marbled Vinyl
- 180g Black Vinyl
- Ash Grey Smoke Vinyl (EU - Ltd. 300, Sound Pollution excl.)
- Blood Stained Ice Splatter Vinyl (EU - Ltd. 300)
- Red "Black Dust" Vinyl (EU - Ltd. 200, Sweden Rock Mag excl.)


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"The Sword Of Wrath"
"Perdition"
"Violent Destruction"
"Hordes Of The Horned God"
"Death's Rider"
"Possessed By The Devil's Flames"
"Satan's Power"
"Inferno's Rage"


"The Sword Of Wrath" video:





Hellbutcher lineup:


Hellbutcher - vocals
Necrophiliac - guitars
Devastator - drums
Eld - bass
Iron Beast - guitars


(Photo - Soile Siirtola)

LedZepNews has posted previously unseen video of Led Zeppelin performing at the Richfield Coliseum in Ohio on January 24, 1975. The footage is publicly available for the first time following work by LedZepNews and LedZepFilm.


Nine minutes of 8mm footage of Led Zeppelin performing at the show was filmed by concert attendee Don Andree, and the full video, synchronized to a an audience recording of the concert, is now available to watch below.


The video shows Led Zeppelin performing songs including “Rock And Roll”, “The Song Remains The Same”, “The Rain Song”, “No Quarter”, “How Many More Times” and “Stairway To Heaven”. LedZepFilm synchronized the video to an audience recording of the concert.




Says LedZepNews: "LedZepNews discovered the uncirculated footage in the archives of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Andree donated a copy of his footage to the archive in 2018 and the archive provided LedZepNews with a digital copy of it for research purposes. However, the archive was unable to allow us to publish the footage publicly as it only owned copies of it – not the copyright.


"Once we had a copy of the footage, we began trying to track down Andree to ask him for permission to publish the footage since he retained the copyright for his film. Using public databases in the US, we found Andree’s contact information and he kindly agreed to allow us to release his film publicly for the first time."

During an appearance on the April 12 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker commented on the recent passing of the band's longtime drummer James Kottak. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "James was a fantastic person. We called him the brother from another mother. And it was great to play with him and it was fantastic. But when he was starting to struggle, it was hard. We had to send him to [the island of Antigua to Eric Clapton's Crossroads drug and alcohol treatment center]. And we tried everything we could, but the moment you turned your back around, he was already gone. And in the end, we were only playing to click, and we said we can't do that. And then [MOTÖRHEAD leader] Lemmy [Kilmister] died and then Matthias [Jabs, SCORPIONS guitarist] had the idea to call Mikkey [Dee, MOTÖRHEAD drummer] and we started rehearsing with him. And Mikkey was great on drums. He was also as a person very nice. We said, 'Okay, we have to make a decision.' And then we said, 'It's very hard. We can cry, but we have to stick to the future.' And we tried everything. And now we make it with Mikkey. And Mikkey is a fantastic person as well in a different way. He's playing more straight-forward. James was a little bit more, playing around a little bit, which was very nice as well. He was also a good singer for backing vocals. But it was time to make a change."

Added Jabs: "We lost a very good friend."

Kottak's daughter Tobi told TMZ her father passed away on January 9 in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was born and lived until 1987, although further details about the exact circumstances weren't available.

In addition to SCORPIONS and KINGDOM COME, Kottak had toured with such bands as WARRANT and even DIO for a short run. James was also involved in various other projects, including the 1990s band KRUNK in which he sang lead vocals and played guitar.

Kottak spoke about his alcohol issues in an April 2023 interview with Tulsa Music Stream. He said in part: "I've had a few bouts with booze over the years. But what people don't know is all the years that I was sober. 2008 to 2011. And here a year, and there a year. And when our kids [with his ex-wife Athena Lee, MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee's sister and acclaimed drummer in her own right], were in the oven. I spent a lot of time not drinking. And then I had my moments when I did drink. And that doesn't mean I'm falling down drunk, walking around with a bottle around the house."

James, who said in a separate interview that he had been sober since October 2022, added that he hadn't been able to completely give up drinking. "Well, I'm not gonna say I haven't drank anything," he said. "When I go out [and] I see some guys playing, I'm standing there and everybody wants to buy me a drink. And I go, 'No, no,' and finally I take it and I have a couple of glasses of white wine. And then I'm pissed at myself. And so there you go."

He added: "I wish I could say, 'Oh, yeah, I've been sober for six years.' It hasn't worked like that for me. I've been in and out and in and out and in and out — and mostly 'in', meaning not drinking. But I've had my moments. And it's an ongoing process. It's progress, not perfection, as we say."

In a June 2022 interview with "This That & The Other With Troy Patrick Farrell", Kottak denied that his battle with alcoholism was the primary reason he was fired from the SCORPIONS in 2016. He has since been replaced by former MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee.

"I hate to say it, but Blabbermouth's kind of been the worst James basher," Kottak said. "They always say — any article about SCORPIONS, they say, 'Yeah, ever since James Kottak was released for alcohol abuse.' So I e-mailed them one day and said, 'Man, stop saying that.' We parted ways. It wasn't just from alcohol, dude. We went through five years of negotiations, 'cause the manager and tour manager both died within six months of each other. Then the band decided to self-manage, which is cool. But I'll tell you what, man — that's when it was a super-bumpy road and we were just not on the same page anymore. And that happens with bands."

Six years ago, Matthias said that he and his bandmates "had to make" the decision to fire Kottak, explaining that they gave the drummer "all the chances" to get better. During an appearance on "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon", the guitarist said: "James was a real good friend — and he still is — but we couldn't continue with him. We gave him all the chances, and 10 more. And it was something that developed over the years — the drinking habit. It came in waves — sometimes it was good for four weeks, and then [there] was drama, and if you know him, you know what that's like. Then if it affects the show, you have to go, 'Hmmm…' Because our drum riser goes up 21 feet, or 24 feet sometimes, if the venue allows it, and the production manager, or stage manager, goes, 'I can't have him go up there. It's too risky.' If you can't really walk down the stairs straight, you can't have that. So that affects your intro of the show, and that's not good — it's not professional."

He continued: "We were helping him — we were sending him to Antigua, and we paid for it, and we did everything we could, because we are extremely loyal. It's always hard if you work with somebody for almost 20 years to say, 'Okay, you've gotta go.' We'd rather do the opposite and try to keep him and help him. But we reached the point — or he reached the point — where it was just not worth it. After three months or four months even — they gave him an extra month in Antigua, the rehab — he'd come home, we'd start again, and you can't even talk to him. So we had to make that decision. We had Mikkey on the road, so [James] didn't notice. So I rehearsed with [Mikkey] and Paweł [Mąciwoda, bass] in the afternoon, just a backup; that was the original plan. But then there was no way we could continue with James, so we started with Mikkey."

Four years ago, Kottak, who joined the SCORPIONS in 1996, told the SCORPIONS official fan club Crazyscorps about the circumstances that led to his departure from the legendary German hard rock band: "I always liked a drink here and there. And then I always also take a pain medication called Aleve. It's what all the baseball players take, all the footballers, and it works like a charm. You take those of those and you don't feel anything. But on top of that, I'm a rock drummer in a rock band, and you've got the green light to drink.

"From 2008 to 2011, I didn't drink," he explained. "I just woke up one day and said, 'I just don't wanna drink anymore.' I didn't go to rehab; I didn't do any of that stuff. I just didn't wanna drink anymore.

"If you have any knowledge of A.A. [Alcoholics Anonymous] or any type of program or rehab, it only lasts so long and then you have what we call in recovery a relapse. I would go through these phases of a year or maybe two years of no drinking, and then you gradually…

"SCORPIONS, we play our show, we go back to the hotel, [and] 45 minutes later, we're all downstairs having dinner," he continued. "And everything's just the right price — free. All these flights back and forth from Europe, from L.A. — I was just flying constantly. Which I'm not complaining about, but it's always business or first class, and once again, all the booze is at the right price. I'm going, 'I've got the next two days off. I might as well have a drink.' And that's what triggered me to start drinking again sometimes. It's a typical alcoholic way of thinking: 'Well, I may as well have a drink. Why not?' And that's typical alcoholic disease thinking. 'Cause it is a disease."

Photo credit: Oliver Rath / B|W|R PR (2015 press photo)

Legendary Florida death metallers, Obituary, begin their spring North American tour with select headline dates. The band joins Amon Amarth & Cannibal Corpse on April 21 for the Metal Crushes All Tour. A full list of tour dates is available below.


To celebrate the tour kickoff, Obituary share the official “Barely Alive” music video. Watch below.


The “Barely Alive” video was filmed during the band’s 2023 UK tour by Natalie Wood (Wondergirl Photo). Edited by Frank Huang (Maximum Volume Silence).







Obituary headline dates:


April
18 - Birmingham, AL - Workplay
19 - Little Rock, AR - Rev Room


May
6 - Chicago, IL - Metro
8 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls Theatre*
28 - El Paso, TX - Lowbrow Palace* 5/30 Lubbock, TX @ Jake's Sports Cafe*
31 - Dallas, TX - Trees


June
1 - Baton Rouge, LA - Chelsea's Live
2 - Destin, FL - Club LA


* with Frozen Soul





Obituary, Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse, and Frozen Soul tour dates:


April
21 - Revel Entertainment Center - Albuquerque, NM
22 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Denver, CO
24 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
26 - Alaska Airlines’ Theater Of The Clouds - Portland, OR
27 - PNE Forum - Vancouver, BC
29 - Edmonton Convention Center - Edmonton, AB
30 - Grey Eagle Event Center - Calgary, AB


May
3 - Steelhouse - Omaha, NE
4 - The Sylvee - Madison, WI
5 - GLC Live At 20 Monroe - Grand Rapids, MI
7 - Rose Music Center At The Heights - Huber Heights, OH
9 - The Wellmont - Montclair, NJ
10 - Toyota Oakdale Theater - Wallingford, CT
11 - Videotron Centre - Quebec City, QC
13 - The Fillmore Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
14 - The Fillmore Silver Spring - Silver Spring, MD
16 - ExploreAsheville.com Arena - Asheville, NC
17 - House Of Blues - Myrtle Beach, SC
18 - Yuengling Center - Tampa, FL
20 - Bayou Music Center - Houston, TX
21 - Boeing Center At Tech Port - San Antonio, TX
23 - Arizona Financial Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
24 - Pearl Concert Theater At Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas, NV
25 - Honda Center - Anaheim, CA





(Photo - Tim Hubbard)

Polish blackened death metal practitioners, Hate, performed at Max Watts in Melbourne, Australia on May 26, 2023, and The Riff Crew have released pro-shot video from the show. Watch below.


Setlist:


Intro
"Sovereign Sanctity"
"Threnody"
"Valley of Darkness"
"The Wolf Queen"
"Luminous Horizon"
"Erebos"
"Resurrection Machine"
"Rugia"







No one combines death and black metal quite like Poland’s Hate. With unflinching viciousness and a sense of atmosphere unique to the band, Rugia, the band’s twelfth and most recent full-length released via Metal Blade Records, pushes the boundaries of their craft even further.





Rugia, which earned the #30 spot on Billboard’s Current Hard Music Albums chart and #33 on Billboard’s Top New Artists Albums chart in the US as well as the #25 on Billboard’s Current Hard Music Albums chart in Canada upon its first week of release, is currently available on CD, LP, and digital formats.

While appearing on the April 12 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", TESLA bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon spoke about the band's new song "It's All About Love" which they have been performing during TESLA's just-completed Las Vegas residency (see video below). Brian said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We just recorded [it] a couple weeks ago. And it's done and we're playing it live and this summer we should have it out."

Frank added: "It's actually the first song that J.K. [singer Jeff Keith] and myself wrote after a dry spell of writing songs during the COVID lockdown. And the first lyric of the song is, 'I wanna get back to where I started.' That was influenced by how we were feeling during COVID. So we chipped away. We made a little demo of it, and then we just kind of shelved it for a while, 'cause I always knew that I wanted the band and BDub [Brian] to produce it and make it sound rocking. And the original demo was really chill and almost sounded like AIR SUPPLY. It was mellow. And I knew, and I told Brian, I go, 'I love this song, but it needs to be rocked out TESLA style.' So that's what we did. And we worked on it over the past six months at soundchecks during the gigs, practicing it and really developing it and turning it into a rock song."

Asked if the plan is for TESLA to release a full-length album after issuing "It's All About Love" as well as the two previously released singles "Cold Blue Steel" and "Time To Rock!", Brian said: "No, not particularly. Because it takes too much time. Here's the thing. It's no secret, we're getting older. Jeff is 65, 66 years old… In order to do an album, it takes so much out of the band — time and energy. And right now, I think we're all on the same page that we'd rather take that time and energy and go around and play while we're still able to play at the level we play at, because we still play very well. Jeff Keith still sings very, very well. And we can address making an album where you can be in a studio and you can do things 26 times and all that thing, if you have to, later. But to sit there and make an album right now… Frank told you, we've been working on this song ['It's All About Love'] for six months."

Frank added: "It's different now. See, what people don't realize, for a band to make an album that's really great, you have to get locked in a room for about a year and really hash it out and argue and make demos. And then what you're doing is you're fabricating 10 songs, and you'll usually have two great ones and then the other ones are kind of half-assed written unless you spend that time doing it. And that's what we did on the first four albums, or all of our albums that we did up to this point. Now what we're doing is creating singles and touring and playing live and getting them out while they're fresh."

Continued Brian: "Plus there's the whole economic thing about it. We're not a independently multimillionaire wealthy guys. It's a matter of we have to take the time off. We are a working band. Trust me, if we were millionaires, multi-millionaires, and we could afford to take two years off, we maybe would, but we can't. We have to work. We're a working band."

Wheat added: "Look, I would love to go make a record, but like Frank says, I think the songs get compromised because you don't… We spent six months on 'It's All About Love', and I think we got this one right. Honestly, I'm really, really proud of it. It's what I think a TESLA fan would expect from TESLA — right down the middle. Jeff sounds great. Frank's doing classic guitar licks again. But it took six months. We just didn't pull it out of our ass. We worked on it. And to do a 10-song album, even if it's two months a song, that's a year… And quite honestly, you've gotta look at things for supply and demand. Like, how many people want a new TESLA record, a whole new album?

"I'm a statistics guy," Brian said. "And if you wanna get into this, I can go people buying records versus buying tickets. And there are way more people that are buying tickets than are buying records. And they wanna hear all them hits. And then there's the hardcores, which is a much smaller percentage, and you have to go, you have to look at it realistically and go, 'How much gas is left in that tank?'"

Some fans criticized TESLA for adopting a 1980s-style polished production for its latest album, 2019's "Shock". The follow-up to June 2014's "Simplicity" was helmed by DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen, whose own group is no stranger to slicked-up, glossy-sounding recordings.

In September 2023, TESLA released the official music video for its cover of AEROSMITH's "S.O.S. (Too Bad)". The song is a bonus track on TESLA's live album, "Full Throttle Live!", which arrived in May 2023. The LP includes the band's "Time To Rock!" single, plus other songs, all recorded in August 2022 at Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota.

In September 2021, original TESLA drummer Troy Luccketta announced that he would "take a little time from the road" to spend with family and friends. He has since been replaced at TESLA's gigs by Steve Brown, the younger brother of former DOKKEN drummer Mick Brown.

TESLA's debut album, 1986's "Mechanical Resonance", went platinum on the strength of the hits "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Little Suzi". The 1989 follow-up album, "The Great Radio Controversy", produced five hits, including "Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)" and "Love Song", which hit the pop Top Ten.

Napalm Records is thrilled to announce the signing of acclaimed Swedish rock force, The Night Flight Orchestra.


Formed in 2007 by members of notable rock and metal bands such as Soilwork, Arch Enemy and Mean Streak, The Night Flight Orchestra have gone on to release six studio albums and land two Swedish Grammis nominations. From vibrant anthems to nostalgic ballads, the band’s versatile offerings pay tribute to the 80s with influences ranging from hard rock and disco to pop and prog.


Adding to the countless live shows they have performed to ecstatic audiences throughout their history, The Night Flight Orchestra is heading on a Latin American tour this week, followed by a summer of headline and festival shows across Europe, including festivals such Alcatraz Open Air in Belgium and Bloodstock Open Air in the UK. Time to prepare for take-off - stay tuned for news on The Night Flight Orchestra’s Napalm Records debut, coming soon.




The Night Flight Orchestra states: “We are really looking forward to taking this airborne orchestra to the next dimension together with Napalm Records! We have a new album in the works and cannot wait to launch a massive campaign together! Up, up and away!”


Sebastian Muench, Napalm Records Senior A&R, adds: “The Night Flight Orchestra manage to ingeniously interpret profound and innovative hard rock like an entertaining musical and deliver incredibly exciting concerts. Their six studio albums so far are all extremely exciting and we are very happy to help TNFO become even more successful in the future. I am very much looking forward to this great collaboration.”


The Night Flight Orchestra tour dates:


April
21 - Mexico City, Mexico - Circo Volador
22 - Bogota, Columbia - Ace Of Spades Club
25 - Santiago, Chile - Teatro Cariola
27 - São Paulo, Brazil - Summer Breeze Open Air
28 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - El Teatrito


May
16 - Tampere, Finland - Olympia Kortteli
17 - Helsinki, Finland - Tavastia
18 - Stockholm, Sweden - Downtown Riot


June
27 - Snina, Slovakia - Rock Pod Kamenom


July
11 - Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany - Dong Open Air


August
9 - Falköping, Sweden - Nestorfest
10 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz Open Air
11 - Walton-on-Trent, UK - Bloodstock Open Air


The Night Flight Orchestra is:


Björn Strid - Vocals
Sharlee D’Angelo - Bass
Jonas Källsbäck - Drums
Sebastian Forslund - Guitar, Percussions
John Lönnmyr - Keys
Rasmus Ehrnborn - Guitar
Anna Brygard - Backing Vocals
Åsa Lundman - Backing Vocals


(Photo - Linda Florin)

STAIND has released an animated music video for the song "Better Days" featuring Dorothy. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "Confessions Of The Fallen", which arrived last September.

"Better Days", an emotionally charged power ballad that is classic STAIND, marks the first time the band has a featured artist on a song. Singer and namesake of her Los Angeles rock band, Dorothy brings her powerhouse vocals alongside STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis, taking the sentiment of the song to the next level.

"This was a departure for me," says Lewis. "It's really the first time STAIND explored a feature with a female guest vocalist. Once we started tracking, I could tell the synergy was there. We didn't have to pick harmonies, we didn't have to analyze parts, they just happened. I'm stoked to have Dorothy on this single with me. Her talent and voice are incredible."

"I had a great time tracking 'Better Days'," adds Dorothy. "It's a beautiful song and I hope fans connect with it. I'm so grateful to Aaron for the opportunity."

"Better Days" is the third rock song released from "Confessions Of The Fallen". The first two singles, "Lowest In Me" and "Here And Now", reached No. 1 on Active Rock chart.

See STAIND live on the "Tailgate" tour with special guests SEETHER, SAINT ASONIA and Tim Montana beginning on April 22 in Brandon, Mississippi.

STAIND's co-headline tour with BREAKING BENJAMIN and special guests DAUGHTRY and LAKEVIEW kicks off September 10 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania.

In a recent interview with Germany's Riot Vision, STAIND guitarist Mike Mushok spoke to about the "electronic element" which was incorporated into "Confessions Of The Fallen". Released via Alchemy Recordings/BMG, STAIND's first new LP album since 2011 was produced by Erik Ron (GODSMACK, PANIC! AT THE DISCO, BLACK VEIL BRIDES).

Mike said: "Well, that was something that Aaron really wanted to explore. We had talked about it before, but we'd never really done it. So he really wanted to make that a part of what we were doing. And it was funny, 'cause I do remember saying to him, like, 'I play guitar. I don't know how to do that.' So that's where I feel like Erik played a really big part in helping make that a part of what this album sounds like. Some of those verses where you hear [and] it's like more electronic[-sounding], that's a guitar part I wrote just played on a synthesizer, [using] some crazy sound. So he was able to take some of those things that I wrote and adapt it to kind of bring in some of those elements into the music. And I think he did a great job. I like it. I'm pretty happy with it."

Asked what new musical elements he would like to explore on future STAIND albums, Mike said: "I don't know. To me, it's just really about trying to write great songs. It's really just kind of trying to take what we do and make it better. And I don't really have any kind of guidelines. If it calls for more electronics or — I don't know — a guitar solo or whatever the case may be, whatever really the song calls for, I think that that's what the best thing to explore is. But I was very happy with the process of making this record and how it came out. Some records have been really difficult to make. This one wasn't one of those. The way we did it, it took us a while, but we got there. And by the end of the day, once we got there, I was really happy with the end results."

When "Confessions Of The Fallen" was announced in April 2023, Lewis stated about the LP's musical direction: "I did want to modernize the sound and bring us up to date. You can certainly recognize the band but at the same time you can hear that we've been paying attention and understand what kind of sounds and approaches we can use that maybe weren't around the last time we did this."

STAIND has released eight albums since 1995, including 2011's self-titled effort. The band has had a number of hit songs during its first two decades, including the Top 10 smash "It's Been Awhile" from the No. 1 album "Break The Cycle". Follow-up LPs "14 Shades Of Grey" and "Chapter V" also topped the Billboard chart.

STAIND released its first album in nine years, "Live: It's Been Awhile", in May 2021 via Yap'em/Alchemy Recordings. The "Live: It's Been Awhile" album was accompanied by "The Return Of Staind", a two-part global streaming series in partnership with Danny Wimmer Presents.

Last year, STAIND and GODSMACK completed a 25-city co-headlining tour, produced by Live Nation.

Former SKID ROW singer Erik Grönwall has released his cover version of "I Will Always Love You", the love ballad made famous by Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton (who wrote the song). You can check it out below.

Late last month, Grönwall, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March 2021, released a video message in which he offered an even lengthier explanation for his decision to leave SKID ROW. In the clip, which was uploaded to his YouTube channel, the 36-year-old Swedish singer stated in part: "Okay, so it's out, and now you all know that I have decided to leave SKID ROW. I feel relieved, in a way. I'm happy that it's out, that I don't have to hide it from you guys. I think the word I'm looking for is ambivalent.

"So what do you say we talk about it?

"First of all, let me just say that I am overwhelmed by your understanding and your comments and the love and support you guys have shown me since we made the announcement," he said. "It's incredible. Thank you so much for being the best fans in the world.

"Like I said in the announcement, the main reason why I've decided to leave the band is because it's been very hard and it's proved very challenging to prioritize my health and full recovery being the lead singer of the band. And it's not like I woke up yesterday and decided to go, 'Ooh. That's a horrible idea. What time?' This is something I've been considering for a long time. The first time I brought it up and requested a better balance in the touring was in 2022.

"So most of you guys who follow me, you already know this, but for those of you who don't, let me give you some background info," he continued. "In 2021, I was undergoing treatment against leukemia, and as a result of the treatments and the bone marrow transplant that I did, my immune system was impaired. You can think of my immune system as a four-year-old kid bringing home all kinds of shit and viruses from preschool. So I pretty much get everything. It takes a while for the immune system to build up that resistance again, but my immune system is getting stronger every day. So that's the good news. However, I'm still doing regular checkups, like blood tests, at the hematology department at my hospital in Sweden. But that part has proved very challenging while keeping up with the SKID ROW schedule and demand. And as I'm sure you all understand, I have way too much respect for my medical history and for my health to push myself to the limit.

"But I also wanna say that this illness came with a lot of good things. And one of the best things that I want to mention here is that it gave me a superpower called perspective. I remember sitting at the hospital, and I was in a really fucking dark place. And I was looking out my window and I saw all these people going to work in a hurry, stressing. And I remember asking myself, watching all these people, and I was, like, 'What are we stressing about? What are we chasing?' So right there I felt like I had so much perspective on things and actually a gratitude towards — it's weird to say it, but a gratitude towards my illness. I remember going, 'Thank you for giving me this perspective this early in life.' Anyway, so I was sitting there, and I remembered that the samurai had a code of honor that they called Bushido that they lived by. And so with the perspective I had at the time, I wanted to create my own Bushido. My goal was always, okay, 'I'm gonna get through this and I'm gonna get healthy,' but I wanted to remember the perspective, that feeling of gratitude and perspective I had at the time, because I know that we're human beings and we move on and we forget things, but I didn't wanna forget this; I wanted to remember this for the rest of my life. So what I did was I created my own Bushido at the hospital, and on top of that list, it says 'health first'. And back to SKID ROW, that's exactly why I had to make this decision.

"I've had to look at that list a lot of times this last year," Erik added. "Actually, to be honest, since I joined the band. And I've been questioning myself if I'm really living according to those values. And at the end of the day, I realized that the answer was no.

"And I just wanna say, before the media starts with all this fucking clickbait shit, let me be perfectly clear. Listen carefully: I am not sick. And it's not like I don't wanna tour. I love being on the road. I just need a better balance. And, of course, we have tried to find the right balance together as a band multiple times. But at the end of the day, I realized that it was better for me to just step aside.

"There's a lot of people that are relying on making a living from SKID ROW. And being on the road is mainly where the money is nowadays. So, I totally understand that people have to keep touring. And I feel like it's hard to say this without sounding like, um, like a martyr. Is that the word I'm looking for? Yeah, I think so. But I feel like I need to say it to let you guys know the thoughts I've had recently.

"It's actually been a bit of a burden to tour with a new immune system — not only knowing that I'm intentionally pushing myself, but also knowing that if I get sick on the road, which I'm more likely to with a new immune system, there is no one who can fill in for me. We've had our amazing guitar tech, and I can't express how much I love this guy enough, but our guitar tech, Casey, he filled in for both Snake [Dave Sabo, guitar] and Rachel [Bolan, bass] when they got sick. But when I got sick on the road, we had to cancel, reschedule shows, and, honestly, it's not a fun position to be in. So, wait? All of this is happening because of me? It's not good for the band, it's not good for the crew, it's not good for the fans, it's not good for the promoters, it's not good for the SKID ROW team. All of that also made it less fun for me. I didn't really enjoy myself out there.

"I love singing," Erik concluded. "I love being an artist. I love touring, but I wasn't happy. I understand and respect that SKID ROW is a touring band, but like I told the guys, if I can't prioritize my health, then I'm not the right guy for the job."

SKID ROW's longtime friend Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM) will handle lead vocals for the band's four concerts in late May and early June.

The SKID ROW members said in a statement that they are "proud of what they have created and accomplished with Erik over the past two years" and "wish nothing but the best to him and his health. To celebrate the last two years, the band will be releasing a live album that perfectly captures this moment of time in the band's 35-plus-year history, to be announced soon."

Erik reflected on his leukemia battle and subsequent addition to SKID ROW in a summer 2022 interview with 80's Metal Recycle Bin. He said: "I wouldn't call myself a religious man [laughs], but I would call myself… After all of this, I'm way more spiritual. I'm, like, 'Okay, who planned this?' I was on my way to a completely different life [before my diagnosis], but it was kind of like someone just nudged me.

"I was scrolling on Instagram a couple of days ago and I just saw a post, and it was a text saying, 'I'm sorry I had to make you uncomfortable, but I had to make you move. God.' And I was, like, 'Oh, fuck, man.' [Laughs] That's what it feels like.

"I'm not sure if everything happens for a reason, but that's the only way I can explain this — getting leukemia, then ending up in my favorite band," he continued.

"When I was on stage in [Las] Vegas [with SKID ROW in March and April of 2022], I was interacting with the audience, and I told them that, 'Do you know how amazing it feels to be here singing the song that started your career?' 'Cause '18 And Life' was the song I auditioned with for the 'Idol' show; that's what got me on 'Idol'. And I told them, 'Do you know how it feels to be here on stage with your favorite band of all time singing the song that started your career?' And someone commented on it, and it was, like, 'Did he just quote the 'Rock Star' movie script?' And I was, like, 'Yeah, I didn't even think about that, but it's that movie," he said, referencing the film In which an average kid from Pittsburgh gets tapped to be the new lead singer for his favorite heavy metal band. "So it's kind of like a movie script.

"It's just incredible," Erik added. "I'm still trying to process it. It feels like I've been in the band for two years. It's been four months. We've done, like, 30 shows in four months. We recorded an album. We started working on a new album. We recorded a music video. Everything has been happening so fast. It's overwhelming in so many ways."

Erik also credited his wife with providing him with the emotional strength and support that he needed through his ordeal.

"I wanna say my wife has been incredible this whole journey, especially during the treatments, 'cause when I was ready to give up, she was, like, 'Hey, you're not giving up now. You've got so many people that love you and need you in their lives.' She was tough," he recalled. "And I needed that. So I was, like, 'Yeah, I know.' And I can mention I also have a two-and-a-half-year-old son at home. So that was really, really tough — coming back from the hospital and seeing him. That was my weak spot. She really helped me a lot, and she's very understanding. And obviously, when you have this kind of lifestyle, you need someone who really understands that lifestyle and supports it. And it's kind of a selfish lifestyle in many ways. But she totally gets it, and she's got my back."

Grönwall, who was a member of the Swedish hard rock band H.E.A.T. for nearly a decade before exiting the group in October 2020, announced in September 2021 that he was cancer free after receiving a bone marrow transplant one month earlier.

"There's been a lot of tears, and I still get emotional now talking about this," Erik said. "I think I'm done with the crying [laughs] — I think — but somehow I feel grateful that I went through all of this, 'cause it gave me a lot of perspective. I just feel like I've gotten a lot of perspective on things.

"Being in this business, you see a lot of comments, and you've gotta be tough in many ways," he explained. "And back in the H.E.A.T. days, negative comments could really get to me. Now I'm just, like, 'Dude, I don't care.'

"I'm so happy to wake up every day above ground. It's, like, 'Shit, I get another day? What am I gonna do with this day?'

"I was happy before SKID ROW," Erik added. "I am very happy in SKID ROW. Everything is temporary. I will be happy after SKID ROW. I'm just happy. I've got perspective, and I'm just happy to be alive. And I'm gonna keep singing until this voice can't sing anymore."

Grönwall sang on four H.E.A.T. studio albums — "Address The Nation" (2012),"Tearing Down The Walls" (2014),"Into The Great Unknown" (2017) and "H.E.A.T II" (2020).

In September 2021, just four months before he joined SKID ROW, Grönwall released his new cover version of "18 And Life" via all streaming platforms.

In 2018, Grönwall debuted in the U.S. for 10 million viewers in NBC's live broadcast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's musical "Jesus Christ Superstar". Along with John Legend, Alice Cooper, Sara Bareilles and others, Erik played the key role of Simon Zealotes.

In January 2022, Grönwall told Headbangers Lifestyle about beating cancer: "Some anonymous wonderful human being somewhere in the world donated his/her blood cells so that I could get a second chance at life. Sometimes I can just get tears in my eyes when I think about it. It's so beautiful that one person who is not connected to me in any way wanted to do that for me. He/she doesn't know that the blood cells were for me. It's completely anonymous."

In late March 2022, SKID ROW released its first single with Grönwall, "The Gang's All Here". The song is the title track of the band's latest album, which arrived in October 2022 via earMUSIC.

SKID ROW played its first show with Grönwall on March 26, 2022 at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada as the support act on the rescheduled dates for SCORPIONS' "Sin City Nights" residency.

British guitar sensation, Sophie Lloyd, has shared the new video below, performing the Jimi Hendrix classic, "All Along The Watchtower".


Says Sophie: "Jimi Hendrix has always been one of my favourite guitarists! I hope you enjoy this shred version!"







Released in November last year, Sophie’s first full length album, Imposter Syndrome, sees the guitar virtuoso teaming up with some of rock’s biggest names and her own personal heroes to create a stunning collection of work spanning a variety of genres from the rock and metal world. Released totally independently via her own Autumn Records, the album debuted at #3 in the Rock charts and #11 in the Indie charts, and received rave reviews in the press.





Tracklisting:


"Do Or Die" (feat. Nathan James)
"Pressure" (feat. Brandon Saller)
"Imposter Syndrome" (feat. Lzzy Hale)
"Let It Hurt" (feat. Chris Robertson)
"Runaway" (feat. Michael Starr)
"Fall Of Man" (feat. Matthew K. Heafy)
"Lost" (feat. Cole Rolland)
"Hanging On" (feat. Lauren Babic)
"Avalanche" (feat. Trevor McNevan)
"Won't You Come" (feat. Marisa Rodriguez)
"Judge And Jury" (feat. Tyler Connolly)


“Let It Hurt" (Feat. Chris Robertson):





"Judge And Jury":





"Runaway" featuring Michael Starr of Steel Panther:





"Lost" featuring Cole Rolland:





"Hanging On" featuring Lauren Babic:





"Fall Of Man" featuring Matthew K. Heafy of Trivium:

SCORPIONS dedicated the song "Send Me An Angel" to their late drummer James Kottak during the opening concert of their Las Vegas residency on April 11 at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Prior to launching into the track, frontman Klaus Meine told the crowd: "We shared the stage with this man for 20 years, and this song we performed together for so many times around the world. And tonight we wanna dedicate this song to our dear friend, the late James Kottak. Oh, yeah. James, this one's for you. You will be always our brother from another mother. This is 'Send Me An Angel'." Fan-filmed video of the tribute can be seen below.

During an appearance on the April 12 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker stated about Kottak's passing: "James was a fantastic person. We called him the brother from another mother. And it was great to play with him and it was fantastic. But when he was starting to struggle, it was hard. We had to send him to [the island of Antigua to Eric Clapton's Crossroads drug and alcohol treatment center]. And we tried everything we could, but the moment you turned your back around, he was already gone. And in the end, we were only playing to click, and we said we can't do that. And then [MOTÖRHEAD leader] Lemmy [Kilmister] died and then Matthias [Jabs, SCORPIONS guitarist] had the idea to call Mikkey [Dee, MOTÖRHEAD drummer] and we started rehearsing with him. And Mikkey was great on drums. He was also as a person very nice. We said, 'Okay, we have to make a decision.' And then we said, 'It's very hard. We can cry, but we have to stick to the future.' And we tried everything. And now we make it with Mikkey. And Mikkey is a fantastic person as well in a different way. He's playing more straight-forward. James was a little bit more, playing around a little bit, which was very nice as well. He was also a good singer for backing vocals. But it was time to make a change."

Added Jabs: "We lost a very good friend."

Kottak's daughter Tobi told TMZ her father passed away on January 9 in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was born and lived until 1987, although further details about the exact circumstances weren't available.

In addition to SCORPIONS and KINGDOM COME, Kottak had toured with such bands as WARRANT and even DIO for a short run. James was also involved in various other projects, including the 1990s band KRUNK in which he sang lead vocals and played guitar.

Kottak spoke about his alcohol issues in an April 2023 interview with Tulsa Music Stream. He said in part: "I've had a few bouts with booze over the years. But what people don't know is all the years that I was sober. 2008 to 2011. And here a year, and there a year. And when our kids [with his ex-wife Athena Lee, MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee's sister and acclaimed drummer in her own right], were in the oven. I spent a lot of time not drinking. And then I had my moments when I did drink. And that doesn't mean I'm falling down drunk, walking around with a bottle around the house."

James, who said in a separate interview that he had been sober since October 2022, added that he hadn't been able to completely give up drinking. "Well, I'm not gonna say I haven't drank anything," he said. "When I go out [and] I see some guys playing, I'm standing there and everybody wants to buy me a drink. And I go, 'No, no,' and finally I take it and I have a couple of glasses of white wine. And then I'm pissed at myself. And so there you go."

He added: "I wish I could say, 'Oh, yeah, I've been sober for six years.' It hasn't worked like that for me. I've been in and out and in and out and in and out — and mostly 'in', meaning not drinking. But I've had my moments. And it's an ongoing process. It's progress, not perfection, as we say."

In a June 2022 interview with "This That & The Other With Troy Patrick Farrell", Kottak denied that his battle with alcoholism was the primary reason he was fired from the SCORPIONS in 2016. He has since been replaced by former MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee.

"I hate to say it, but Blabbermouth's kind of been the worst James basher," Kottak said. "They always say — any article about SCORPIONS, they say, 'Yeah, ever since James Kottak was released for alcohol abuse.' So I e-mailed them one day and said, 'Man, stop saying that.' We parted ways. It wasn't just from alcohol, dude. We went through five years of negotiations, 'cause the manager and tour manager both died within six months of each other. Then the band decided to self-manage, which is cool. But I'll tell you what, man — that's when it was a super-bumpy road and we were just not on the same page anymore. And that happens with bands."

Six years ago, Matthias said that he and his bandmates "had to make" the decision to fire Kottak, explaining that they gave the drummer "all the chances" to get better. During an appearance on "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon", the guitarist said: "James was a real good friend — and he still is — but we couldn't continue with him. We gave him all the chances, and 10 more. And it was something that developed over the years — the drinking habit. It came in waves — sometimes it was good for four weeks, and then [there] was drama, and if you know him, you know what that's like. Then if it affects the show, you have to go, 'Hmmm…' Because our drum riser goes up 21 feet, or 24 feet sometimes, if the venue allows it, and the production manager, or stage manager, goes, 'I can't have him go up there. It's too risky.' If you can't really walk down the stairs straight, you can't have that. So that affects your intro of the show, and that's not good — it's not professional."

He continued: "We were helping him — we were sending him to Antigua, and we paid for it, and we did everything we could, because we are extremely loyal. It's always hard if you work with somebody for almost 20 years to say, 'Okay, you've gotta go.' We'd rather do the opposite and try to keep him and help him. But we reached the point — or he reached the point — where it was just not worth it. After three months or four months even — they gave him an extra month in Antigua, the rehab — he'd come home, we'd start again, and you can't even talk to him. So we had to make that decision. We had Mikkey on the road, so [James] didn't notice. So I rehearsed with [Mikkey] and Paweł [Mąciwoda, bass] in the afternoon, just a backup; that was the original plan. But then there was no way we could continue with James, so we started with Mikkey."

Four years ago, Kottak, who joined the SCORPIONS in 1996, told the SCORPIONS official fan club Crazyscorps about the circumstances that led to his departure from the legendary German hard rock band: "I always liked a drink here and there. And then I always also take a pain medication called Aleve. It's what all the baseball players take, all the footballers, and it works like a charm. You take those of those and you don't feel anything. But on top of that, I'm a rock drummer in a rock band, and you've got the green light to drink.

"From 2008 to 2011, I didn't drink," he explained. "I just woke up one day and said, 'I just don't wanna drink anymore.' I didn't go to rehab; I didn't do any of that stuff. I just didn't wanna drink anymore.

"If you have any knowledge of A.A. [Alcoholics Anonymous] or any type of program or rehab, it only lasts so long and then you have what we call in recovery a relapse. I would go through these phases of a year or maybe two years of no drinking, and then you gradually…

"SCORPIONS, we play our show, we go back to the hotel, [and] 45 minutes later, we're all downstairs having dinner," he continued. "And everything's just the right price — free. All these flights back and forth from Europe, from L.A. — I was just flying constantly. Which I'm not complaining about, but it's always business or first class, and once again, all the booze is at the right price. I'm going, 'I've got the next two days off. I might as well have a drink.' And that's what triggered me to start drinking again sometimes. It's a typical alcoholic way of thinking: 'Well, I may as well have a drink. Why not?' And that's typical alcoholic disease thinking. 'Cause it is a disease."

CREED played its first show in 12 years earlier today (Thursday, April 18) as the headliners of the Summer Of '99 cruise.

The band's lineup of Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips is playing two shows during the cruise, which is traveling from Miami to the Bahamas between April 18 and April 22. Presented by Sixthman, the "Summer Of '99" cruise lineup also includes performances by 3 DOORS DOWN, BUCKCHERRY, TONIC, FUEL, VERTICAL HORIZON, THE VERVE PIPE, TANTRIC and NINE DAYS, among others.

CREED's performance on the deck stage of the Norwegian Pearl kicked off at 4:30 p.m. an consisted of 14 songs, beginning with "Are You Ready?", the opening track from the band's second album, 1999's "Human Clay".

CREED's setlist was as follows:

01. Are You Ready?
02. Bullets
03. Torn
04. My Own Prison
05. What If
06. Say I
07. Weathered
08. Overcome
09. Faceless Man
10. One
11. What's This Life For
12. With Arms Wide Open
13. One Last Breath
14. My Sacrifice

CREED will perform aboard a second cruise, the "Summer Of '99 And Beyond", traveling from Florida's Port Canaveral to Nassau from April 27 to May 1. A full-fledged tour, also dubbed "Summer Of '99" tour, produced by Live Nation, will kick off on July 17 and will run through September 28.

In a recent interview with Ryan McCredden of the I-Rock 93.5 radio station, CREED frontman Scott Stapp spoke about the fact that younger generations of fans have discovered the group's music in the 12 years since he and his bandmates played their last concert. He said: "Yeah, a hundred percent. And the analytics don't lie. We've started seeing, in late 2020, CREED beginning to go viral on TikTok, Instagram and then Facebook. And then it just seemed like every two or three months… The first couple months in 2021, we went viral again, and it just kept happening every two or three months. And then you look at the analytics, and you realize that when you look at the numbers, it's three generations. And now it's gotten down into high school kids. And so, what a gift and what a blessing. And I do not take that for granted. I understand how rare that that is. And I think I can speak for all of CREED, because we've had these conversations in private, that it's something we definitely understand is a gift, it's rare and we're not taking it for granted and we're just so grateful and appreciative that this has happened. And I think we're in the nurture phase of this whole thing and not taking a single bit of it for granted and just want to just share how grateful we are and fortunate we are that all these years later [so many people are discovering our music."

Stapp went on to discuss the overwhelmingly positive response to the announcement of CREED's first shows together in 12 years.

"I learned this from Mark [Tremonti, CREED guitarist] the other day in a Guitar World interview that we did together," Scott said. "One thing about Mark, and I hope he doesn't get mad at me for sharing, but he's always in touch with our long-term agent from day one, Ken Fermaglich at UTA. He started with us when we were doing clubs and nobody was showing up, and he's still our agent today. And Mark checks in with him to get analytics and get numbers. And Ken shared with him that right now we are bigger in terms of sales and how things are moving than we were at our peak in 2001, 2002, which blows my mind. It still doesn't seem that way to me, but Mark made a comment. He goes, 'Oh, well, you'll see it when you step out and there's 25,000 people in front of you.' And I said, 'Don't scare me, man.' It's been a long time since I've stepped in front of an audience that big."

When McCredden suggested that "the social media world of TikTok and Instagram" played a huge part in generating interest in a CREED reunion tour, Stapp said: "I've learned in my journey in sobriety and in recovery that… I believe in God and I believe that God has a plan. And looking at this from a thousand-foot perspective, it just all just seems, to me, without a doubt that God's had a hand in it. And I'm just grateful that I'm included on the ride and I'm just not gonna take a moment for granted and [I'm gonna] try to deliver every night and give the fans what they're asking for."

Stapp, whose road to sobriety kicked off in 2014 after issues with drugs and drinking, along with thoughts of suicide, credited his recovery with providing him with the necessary tools to reach new heights with his CREED bandmates. "Absolutely," he said. "In my experience, that's the only way you really learn. And, really, you have no other option. You have to get back up, no matter what you do and deal with the consequences, of course, but learn from it and grow. And one thing I'm looking at when I reflect back on my career is it kind of happened in reverse. With CREED, it was instant. It was first single 'My Own Prison', within 11 months, we're in arenas. But then there's been this 15-year drought for me where I went all the way back as a solo artist playing in small clubs and just duking it out, sweating it out in clubs and bars for over a decade. I mean, man, since 2005 or [2006]. So, I mean, we're talking 17, 18 years. So, it's happened in reverse, and I think that's how it needed to happen, because I think it really gave me a different perspective on how I wish I could have approached this from day one back in the day. But it is what it is, and I'm just gonna enjoy it now and be grateful for it."

CREED's enormous success is largely due to the prolific writing team of Stapp and Tremonti, who founded the band together in 1993. Their winning combination of driving guitar riffs, rousing hooks and introspective lyrics earned them legions of loyal fans around the world. Following the release of their first two albums, the four-piece — which also included bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips — became the first band ever to have seven consecutive No. 1 singles on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. CREED's third album, "Weathered" (2001),also debuted at No. 1, and produced several popular singles, including Top Ten hits "My Sacrifice" and "One Last Breath". Though CREED announced its breakup in 2004, the band briefly reunited in 2009 to release "Full Circle". Heavier than their previous albums, "Full Circle" debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, proving the incredible staying power of the band.

CREED disbanded in 2004 but reunited five years later for the aforementioned "Full Circle" LP and an extensive tour. Stapp has since toured and recorded as a solo artist, although he suffered a drug-related mental breakdown in 2014 and spent several years recovering from that.



Creed on the summer of 99 Cruise first show in 12 years

Posted by The Sound on Thursday, April 18, 2024

Summer of 99 Cruise with Creed!

Posted by Kim Varner Brooks on Thursday, April 18, 2024

We just saw Creed's first performance in twelve years on the Summer of '99 Cruise out of Miami!

Posted by Michael Morton on Thursday, April 18, 2024

#Creed #SummerOf99

Photo: Chuck Brueckmann

Posted by Creed on Thursday, April 18, 2024

Creed played their first show back.
Here is the setlist.

Posted by Jeremy Bellamy Music on Thursday, April 18, 2024

Octoploid, the new musical endeavor of bassist Olli-Pekka "Oppu" Laine (Amorphis, Barren Earth, Mannhai), will release their debut full-length, Beyond The Aeons, on July 5th  through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). Today the band shares their first digital single from the record, “Human Amoral”, alongside an accompanying video.


“Human Amoral” perfectly mirrors many of the influences that have found their way onto the record and features Oppu's Amorphis bandmate Tomi Joutsen, splendidly contrasting but at the same time fitting the outstanding melancholic lead melodies with his remarkable vocal style. Its creeping psychedelic touch especially comes alive in Octoploid's first music video.


Comments Oppu, "Combining elements from folk, prog, and death metal, 'Human Amoral' is an epitome of Octoploid's sound and my musical influences." 







Beyond The Aeons was crafted at E-Studio in Sipoo, Finland where Petri Majuri (Hanoi Rocks, Michael Monroe) took care of mixing the eight tracks and David Castillo (Katatonia, Leprous, Opeth) mastered the album. Orion Landau (Carcass, YOB, Russian Circles ) completed the magnificent package with dreamy artwork.


Pre-order Beyond The Aeons in the physical format of your choice (digipak CD, eco-friendly/recycled “Dusk Of Vex" Marbled vinyl), presave it on your favorite DSP, or pre-order it digitally to receive “Human Amoral [feat. Tomi Joutsen]” instantly now at this location.





Tracklisting:


"The Dawns In Nothingness" [feat. Mikko Kotamäki] *
"Coast Of The Drowned Sailors" [feat. Tomi Koivusaari & Janitor Muurinen] *
"Human Amoral" [feat. Tomi Joutsen] *
"Shattered Wings" [feat. Petri Eskelinen] #/%
"Beyond The Aeons" #/%
"The Hallowed Flame" [feat. Mikko Kotamäki] *
"Concealed Serenity" [feat. Mikko Kotamäki] %
"A Dusk Of Vex" [feat. Jón Aldará | physical: long version; digital: edit] ^/%
"Monotony" (bonus track - physical only) [feat. Petri Eskelinen] %
 
* Kim Rantala (keyboards)
# Samu Leminen (additional lead guitar)
^ Ile Laaksomaa (additional lead guitar)
% Kasper Mårtenson (keybaords)


Octoploid is the solo band of Olli-Pekka Laine (bass, keyboards, backing vocals; Amorphis, Barren Earth, Mannhai), formed in 2022. Combining elements from ‘90s death/black metal, ‘70s prog rock, and ‘90s psychedelic rock, their music has its own place on the map. In one phrase, Octoploid's sound has been described as "classic death prog."


Built around Laine, the core band includes four additional musicians: well-seasoned and diverse drummer Mikko Pietinen brings experience from stoner rock (MannhaI) and Finnish mainstream pop rock (Kasmir), while lead/rhythm guitarist Peter Salonen (The Kinky Thing; a band performing Finnish psych rock legends Kingston Wall covers) is a new face in the scene. The five-piece is completed by keyboardist Kim Rantala (Giant Robot, Amorphis) and vocalist Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun; live).


For futher details, visit Octoploid on Facebook.


(Photo by Päivi Leino)


 

Finland's Never Stop The Sadness, signed to Lifeforce Records, may be most aptly described as death-doom, or perhaps a union of funeral doom intertwined with the melancholic gothic strains reminiscent of the mournful dirges of Type O Negative. These melancholic odysseys are riddled with unexpected detours, like the spectral echoes of vintage synthesizers woven into the tapestry of sound. Every composition resonates in a mournful abyss of down-tuned melancholy, entwined with themes of demise, the passage beyond, the nether realms, sorrow, longing, and the lamentations that shadow all things grim. 


"Go Gently, Swan, Into That Dark Water" is the band's second single, featuring none other than Amorphis frontman Tomi Joutsen on guest vocals. It is available on streaming platforms found here.







Check out the band's debut single / lyric video, "The Land Of Long Shadows", below.

Century Media Records and InsideOutMusic are pleased to announce the upcoming “First Chapter” of a comprehensive catalogue re-issue campaign for legendary and groundbreaking death metallers Edge Of Sanity, as well as versatile prog/hardrock outfit Nightingale, who were both fronted by Swedish vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and acclaimed metal producer Dan Swanö (Opeth, Katatonia, Dissection, etc.).


Long out of print, never previously available in certain formats or in any properly re-worked re-issue version, as well as enhanced by tons of exciting extra-material, these definitive re-issues come efficiently all re-mastered by Swanö himself and partly even shine in a new light via additional remix efforts as bonus.


Dan Swanö - who has not only had a long tradition of co-operating with mix/mastering roles for many CMR artists like Asphyx, Skeletal Remains or Insomnium, but also last became musically active in metal with the band Witherscape via CMR (Two albums and a mini album between 2013 and 2016) and also released his latest Nightingale album Retribution in 2014 on the IOM label - checked in with the following comment about the starting re-issue campaign:




“It’s hard to describe in words exactly how excited we all are about these re-issues for both Edge Of Sanity and Nightingale. It’s incredible that these albums are finally available again, with the attention to detail they always deserved and with a label like Century Media Records / InsideOutMusic behind us, we know that these releases will turn out amazing in the end and not be so hard to get a hold of like they used to be, and hopefully reach a new audience as well as the old!


"Personally, I always hoped that there would come a time when I could revisit all these albums and have the time and budget to remaster or even remix them and be able to present them the way I wish they had sounded all along.


"A lot of time, work and money have been put into making sure we have the best possible version of the original artwork to work with, and we searched everywhere for photographs and memorabilia. Endless hours have been spent talking and writing about these albums, resulting in super detailed liner notes for the Deluxe CD edition. Also, the lyrics have been double and tripled check, and it was quite amusing to see just how wrong most of them were both in the original booklets and online. The lyrics are in the booklets and on the inner sleeve of every re-issue!


"I wholeheartedly hope you appreciate these new, improved and definitive versions of the entire Edge Of Sanity and Nightingale back catalogues!”


The “First Chapter” of the reissue campaign will cover the following all-remastered releases and formats in June/August:


Edge Of Sanity – Purgatory Afterglow (Reissue), out June 21 (CMR)
- Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (Incl. “Until Eternity Ends” EP songs and remix of all songs on bonus disc)
- Black LP (180g vinyl, unlimited)
- Ltd. transp. red LP (180g vinyl, limited to 500x copies, available from www.cmdistro.de & various other retailers)
- Ltd. transp. sun yellow LP (180g vinyl, limited to 300x copies, available from www.cmdistro.de)
- Digital Album / Remaster 2024
- Digital Album / Remix 2024
Note: The seminal 4th album, originally released in 1994, now celebrating its 30th Anniversary.


Edge Of Sanity – Until Eternity Ends - EP (Reissue), out June 21 (CMR)
- Black 12" EP (180g vinyl, unlimited)
- Ltd. blue 12” EP (180g vinyl, limited to 300x copies, available from www.cmdistro.de & various other retailers)
- Digital EP / Remaster 2024
- Digital EP / Remix 2024
Note: The companion 4-track EP to “Purgatory Afterglow”, originally released in 1994, now celebrating its 30th Anniversary. Never available on vinyl before, including remix versions on Side B.


Edge Of Sanity – Nothing But Death Remains (Reissue), out August 23 (CMR)
- Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (Incl. remix and rare 1991 rough mix versions on bonus disc)
- Black LP (180g vinyl, unlimited)
- Ltd. transp. blue LP (180g vinyl, limited to 500x copies, available from www.cmdistro.de & various other retailers)
- Ltd. lilac LP (180g vinyl, limited to 300x copies, available from www.cmdistro.de)
- Digital Album / Remaster 2024
- Digital Album / Remix 2024
Note: The intense debut album, originally released in 1991.


Nightingale – Nightfall Overture (Reissue), out June 21 (IOM)
- Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (Incl. 16-track live bonus disc)
- Black LP (180g, unlimited)
- Ltd. transp. light blue LP (180g vinyl, limited to 300x copies, available from www.insideoutshop.de & various other retailers)
- Digital Album / Remaster 2024
Note: Special compilation album, originally released in 2005 for the band’s 10th anniversary, including re-imagined and re-recorded songs from the band’s first four albums as well as 2 additional songs.


Nightingale – I (Reissue), out August 23 (IOM)
- Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (Incl. 7 additional songs and 18-track bonus disc)
- Black LP (180g, unlimited)
- Ltd. transp. sun yellow LP (180g vinyl, limited to 300x copies, available from www.insideoutshop.de & various other retailers)
- Digital Album / Remaster 2024
Note: The 3rd album, originally released in 2000, available on vinyl for the first time ever.


For exact tracklisting of the “First Chapter” reissues, head here.


Pre-sale for the entire “First Chapter” started today, here.


In order to additionally support the kick-off of the comprehensive reissue campaign as well as to showcase the bonus remix treatment given to some of the material, you can now also check out the Edge Of Sanity digital single “Twilight" (Remix 2024), taken from the 2CD and Digital Album format from the upcoming Purgatory Afterglow reissue, on all DSP’s as well as in a brand-new video clip created by Costin Chioreanu / Twilight13Media, below:





You can also check out Edge Of Sanity’s “Twilight" (Remix 2024) as part of the “Death Metal” streaming playlist on Spotify here.


Stay tuned for further news about this catalogue campaign and look out for the “Second Chapter” of Edge Of Sanity and Nightingale reissues coming late 2024 / early 2025.


Edge Of Sanity lineup:


Anders Lindberg - Bass
Sami Nerberg - Guitar
Dan Swanö - Lead Vocals
Andreas Axelson - Guitar, Vocals
Benny Larsson - Drums


(Top photo of Edge Of Sanity 1993 by Åsa Jonsén)